THE HUDSON FAMILY RECEIVES RURAL CHAMPION 2026 AT ROMA
January 22, 2026
Burnbrae’s Margaret Hudson presented inaugural Rural Inspiration 2026
TORONTO – Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs presented Margaret Hudson, President and CEO of Burnbrae Farms, on behalf of the Hudson Family, with the inaugural Rural Champion 2026 as part of the Rural Inspiration 2026 celebration at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference.
“The Hudson Family is a special family that has grown their family business into a national success,” said Minister Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs. “Today we recognize and thank the entire Hudson Family for being Rural Champions. Founded in 1891, Burnbrae now operates in 5 provinces. Specifically in Ontario – their operations stretch from their homestead farm and operations in Brockville and eastern Ontario through to southwestern Ontario, including a brand-new state of the art facility in Strathroy.”
Burnbrae Farms employs over 1700 people in their 7 wholly-owned farms, 8 grading stations, 3 processing plants and 2 distribution centres located throughout Ontario and across Canada.
“What truly makes the Hudson Family Rural Champions is their commitment to small town, rural Ontario,” continued Minister Thompson. “From local fundraising initiatives in the communities in which they operate, to being engaged in organizations and community groups, their philanthropic efforts align with their family’s priorities,” added Thompson.
“Burnbrae Farms and the Hudson family are honoured to be the recipient of the Rural Inspiration 2026 award from the Office of the Minister of Rural Affairs. The Hudson’s have been farming in Lyn, Ontario for six generations proudly supporting our rural communities,” said Margaret Hudson, President & CEO, Burnbrae Farms. “From investing in local communities to funding agriculture programs and scholarships with partners like the University of Guelph, we remain dedicated to fostering innovation and leadership in Canadian agriculture. We also support nutrition and food education through a dietitian bursary at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University (NOSM University).”
“Building farms in rural locations like Oxford Township and the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley has been a cornerstone of our Ontario growth and commitment. We continue to invest in the Strathroy-Caradoc community building a new state-of-the-art egg grading facility, expanding our decades-long presence in the community. We look forward to continuing to serve as stewards of rural progress and supporting Ontario’s vibrant agricultural sector for generations to come,” added Margaret Hudson.
Today, Burnbrae Farms is the largest family-owned and operated egg business in Canada, committed to providing Canadians with nutritious, great-tasting eggs and egg products.
“I’m proud to join in celebrating this well-earned recognition for the Hudson family and Burnbrae Farms, who exemplify the spirit of rural excellence,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “Burnbrae’s deep roots in our community extend beyond building the company into a major employer driving our local economy. The Hudson family’s tireless commitment to philanthropy has supported generations of families and strengthened communities in Leeds and Grenville and across Canada.”
Rural Inspiration 2026 was an inaugural event at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference. ROMA is held annually in Toronto.
Sue and Margaret Hudson, centre, show off the Rural Champion award they received at this year’s ROMA conference in Toronto with Brockville Mayor Matt Wren, Elizabethtown-Kitley Mayor Brant Burrow, Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, and United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke.